Here’s Why Maintaining Your HVAC System Can Help with Your Property Insurance Claim

During the Dog Days of Summer, home and business owners rely on an efficient air conditioning system to keep their houses and buildings cool. With a quick adjustment of the thermostat, the cooling system works around the clock to regulate the temperature inside for comfort during months of extreme heat.

Benefits of Regular HVAC Maintenance 

There are many benefits to inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining the HVAC system in your home or business. Not only is it beneficial to the system itself, but it can also benefit you financially in the event of a disaster. 

As a homeowner or business owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your HVAC system is properly cared for throughout its lifetime. If your home or business suffers a loss, either indirectly or directly due to an HVAC system failure, you will likely find yourself filing a property loss insurance claim with your carrier.

When the insurance carrier is notified of your loss, it will deploy its own professional team to investigate the extent of the damages. Oftentimes, the HVAC system is the first item scrutinized by a carrier in these scenarios. The insurance company may ask for proof that the system was regularly maintained to confirm the loss was not due to negligence, maintenance issues, or general wear and tear on the system.

How to Maintain and Care for Your HVAC System 

When was the last time you inspected or cleaned your system? Whether it’s your central air conditioning unit in your home or business, here are four simple yet crucial preemptive steps to take:

1. Inspect the HVAC system thoroughly and regularly

Engage a licensed and authorized HVAC inspector to conduct a comprehensive physical inspection. Even if the system appears to be operating correctly, the inspector will examine the system to ensure it is in good working order. The inspector can also pinpoint any potential problems to address.

2. Schedule routine maintenance and cleaning

A professional HVAC technician can clean and fix any safety hazards and preemptively identify and correct any issues. Keeping the HVAC system clean and up to date protects the unit from working too hard, causing it to overheat or have an unexpected breakdown. Regular cleaning and maintenance helps to prevent any breakdowns ahead of the extreme temperatures in summer or winter. Depending on the environment, maintenance can be performed annually or biannually.

3. Document maintenance

Keep written records of inspections, cleanings, maintenance, and repairs to the system. It is also important to log any issues the inspection revealed that were later addressed such as parts that were replaced due to normal wear and tear. 

4. Determine the age of the system

Depending on several factors, a unit can last 10 -20 years. Confirming the age of the unit is crucial to determine if the system is still within its lifespan, or if it needs to be replaced. Each unit has a manufacturing date which can typically be found on the nameplate. Knowing the age can help you financially prepare for any major repairs due to its age or arrange to replace the unit in a few years if it is at the end of its life. 

While a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system can be considered a luxury for a home or business, it is also a critical piece of equipment that requires proper cleaning and regular maintenance. Preventative measures like routine inspections and tune-ups not only ensure the system is operating smoothly but also helps with energy efficiency, air quality, and extending the life of your system.

HVAC Disaster? Contact a Public Adjuster.

In the event of a disaster, preparing and settling an HVAC-related claim with the insurer can prove to be a monumental effort. If you try to tackle it alone, you risk facing an unsatisfactory financial recovery. Adjusters International/Basloe, Levin & Cuccaro (AI/BLC)’s team of professional public adjusters can prepare and file the insurance claim on your behalf while you focus on the recovery of your family or business. Do not go it alone. Engage the help of our licensed public adjusters to help you receive an optimal settlement.

Contact us today to get help settling your insurance claim.